Bonding with Your Child Through Yoga

From school to tuitions, sports to recreation extra curriculars to home work, children’s schedules are as hectic as that of an any adult. Their blossoming minds are hard at work, absorbing information in a myriad of fields. It is a crucial time of their lives where their mind and body collect and gather information that will mold their functioning throughout the rest of their lives. They are surrounded by new experiences and observations that affect or impact their budding minds at various levels.

A parent may wonder how to fit into this sensory adventure that their child experiences and enjoys. Though Yoga may seem to suit an adult’s taste, the facts of its connection to children is fascinating:

It is a form of knowledge that was designed to be imparted to children of very young ages.

It prepares the budding mind for a life of perfection and fulfilment.

The physicality of asanas is best suited and achieved by children due their able, young bodies.

It builds a strong connection between the body and mind at a very early stage.

It reduces anxiety and stress which is very commonplace in children of our current time.

The child develops a character that is more balanced, harmonious and filled with positivity.

The physical exertions which they easily perform and enjoy helps build their self confidence and improves their body sensitivity and coordination.

It sharpens their memory.

History tells us that this sacred task of moulding these young spirits was entasked to a Guru. Within the sacred shade of the Gurukul, little minds were given this ancestral wisdom that would take them down the path of perfection. We may still uphold this tradition yet.

Parents are the perfect guides who could assimilate the role of a guru and use yoga to form a connection, an unbreakable bond with their young ones. Here are a few Yogic activities you can perform with your young ones to nurture them and the bond you share with each other.

Krida Yoga :

It is a subtle introduction to the physical aspect of Yoga. It is the playful side of yoga where children and adults alike practice asanas and other physical movements to develop the taste for yoga and to introduce the body to this new form of physical growth. It opens up the mind and creates new channels within it, developing the sensors of the body and its physical capacity as well.

Yoga asanas :

Asanas are the perfect tool to mastering the body. They give the practitioner the ability to control their bodies both during movement and stillness. Performing Surya namaskar every morning with your child is an ideal way to bond with them, simultaneously working on the health of all those involved. Each asana is unique in its positive effects on the human mind. The asanas stated below are especially beneficial for children. You may begin your child’s journey with these easy asanas and help them build their curiosity to explore a lot more and add to their repertoire of asanas.

Tadasana:

Begin by standing in Samasthithi.

Lift you right leg off the floor and balance your body weight on your left leg.

Breathing Methodology

Practice of various asanas is an explorative adventure for the child and is essential for their physical growth and mental wellbeing.

Pranayama :

This is the aspect of yoga that takes responsibility for the child’s mental growth, their all-round personality, character nourishment and peaceful, calm outlook. A parent’s involvement during this practice is a divine bond indeed.